Ask a Bible Teacher

When we give to God we’re supposed to give without expecting anything but out of gratitude. But when I read 2 Cor. 9: 6 where it says “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” it appears as if it encourages giving with expectations of returns from God because a sower expects harvest when sowing. What is your thought on this?

I am saved and attend a great church, but lately I have been battling with fear. I search in the word of God for verses on fear and I read that we should not be afraid but somehow I continue to do so. I have tried to not fear some things and I find myself in the same place. I know the word of God, I know that he is faithful. So why am I afraid, why is the fear still there? I’m tired of fearing these things, I want to let them go.

What is it that I’m doing wrong. Please, it drives me crazy when I know that God is forever merciful and loving. Why? I don’t understand why I feel this way. I have made him my savior and I’m his child. I’m tired. I want to let go. I have prayed about it. I really have. I have cried myself to sleep sometimes because I don’t want to be afraid. If God offers peace what is wrong with me? Help me please.

You have said that in fulfilling His promise to meet all our needs (Matt. 6:31-33), God will usually provide opportunities for us to meet them through the work we do, instead of meeting them directly. But what can we expect concerning this work? Should it be evident that He provides us a job that is both fulfilling and doesn’t hinder our relationship with Him? When I say fulfilling work I mean a job that isn’t emotionally or other ways draining, that isn’t stressful and isn’t modern time slave work. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to work but perilous times or not I don’t want to live like a stress filled modern time slave.

In regards to generosity and giving, in Luke 6 30-35, does Jesus really teach we should give to every panhandler that comes our way; in regards to lending does it mean that Christians cannot be in the banking business? This seems to be the literal interpretation, but what other way is there to look at this?

I’ve been thinking about the statements you wrote like, “If what we say we believe doesn’t result in action, it’s doubtful that we really believe it. True faith will manifest itself in Spirit led work” and, “Faith brings salvation, which brings gratitude, which brings a desire to express our gratitude through acts of service.”

I am one of those Christians who have had doubts about my own salvation ever since I asked the Lord to save me. Often I wonder if I have truly believed he died for all my sins. If not, I really want to believe. It’s been already 3 years since I asked the Lord to save me and there’s has been absolutely no gratitude from my heart because of doubt. And because of my doubts, there hasn’t been any expression of my gratitude in the form of acts of kindness toward others. Was I even saved from the start?

I was studying II Timothy 2 for encouragement, and got a little hung up on verses 20-21. I think Paul is saying that we can expect to find non-believers dwelling in our churches and attending our congregational meetings. Verse 21 says, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” Is Paul advising us to have absolutely nothing to do (purge himself) with non-believers? Or is this more of a warning to avoid their influence? Can you clarify the intended meaning?

My question is on two verses about Forgiveness. Luke 6:37 “Judge not and you shall not be judged. Condemn not and you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” And Mathew 6:12 says “And Forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors”. Does this mean God is dependent on our forgiveness to forgive us? Or when you don’t forgive and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and wash your sins away you will not be forgiven? Or which sin(s) that I commit will not be forgiven by God when I don’t forgive others. Please help me here.

Jesus said that whatever we ask in His name will be granted but it becomes cumbersome to say “In Jesus’ name” every time I thank Him for something or ask Him to bless someone. I find that I start saying it more as a chant than in reverence. Also, do we need to confess we are sinners and ask for forgiveness every time we pray? Or is once a day sufficient? I find that after I go through all the formalities every time I talk to God, sometimes I forget what I was going to pray about. It also takes a lot of the “spontaneity” out of the conversation, when spontaneity is what I’m trying to add to my prayers.

My sister used to be a very strong Christian. Since getting a divorce she has fallen away from the church and pulled her children out as well. She is also pulling away from the family. I pray for her continually but I wonder if God hears my prayers due to the anger that I have towards her. I am tired of seeing her hurt the family and her children while turning her back on God. How do I pray for her in a way that is glorifying to God when I cannot seem to get control of my anger and hurt towards her?

About Grace thru Faith

Jack Kelley published over 9,000 Bible Study resources here from 1999, until the Lord called him home in the fall of 2015. His teachings made the Bible clear and easy to understand, and impacted millions of lives. He is the author of all the teachings here, and all materials are available free of charge! His wife Samantha maintains this site as well as their missionary outreaches.